He walked right past her, giving no sign of recognition, and advanced direct towards Ryder, who had risen and remained standing at his desk.
"Perhaps I had better go ?" ventured Shirley, although tortured by anxiety to hear the news from Washington.
"No," said Ryder quickly, "Judge Stott will detain me but a very few moments." Having delivered himself of this delicate hint, he looked towards his visitor as if inviting him to come to the point as rapidly as possible.
"I must apologize for intruding at this unseemly hour, sir," said Stott, "but time is precious.

The Senate meets to-morrow to vote.
If anything is to be done for Judge Rossmore it must be done to-night." "I fail to see why you address yourself to me in this matter, sir," replied Ryder with asperity.
"As Judge Rossmore's friend and counsel," answered Stott, "I am impelled to ask your help at this critical moment." "The matter is in the hands of the United States Senate, sir," replied Ryder coldly.
"They are against him!" cried Stott; "not one senator I've spoken to holds out any hope for him.

If he is convicted it will mean his death.

Inch by inch his life is leaving him.

The only thing that can save him is the good news of the Senate's refusal to find him guilty." Stott was talking so excitedly and loudly that neither he nor Ryder heard the low moan that came from the corner of the room where Shirley was standing listening.
"I can do nothing," repeated Ryder coldly, and he turned his back and began to examine some papers lying on his desk as if to notify the caller that the interview was ended.